WAK Festival eyes Bintulu as potential new venue beyond Kuching

KUCHING, 3 OCTOBER 2026 —

Sarawak Premier Expands WAK Festival Beyond Kuching, Eyes Bintulu as Next Hub for Statewide Creative Economy

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced on October 3 that the WAK Festival—now in its eighth edition in Kuching—will expand beyond the state capital, with Bintulu and other Sarawak districts under consideration as future venues to foster a broader creative ecosystem.

The move marks a shift from a single-city festival to a statewide initiative aimed at positioning Sarawak as a cultural and economic hub, leveraging creativity as a driver for youth employment, local business growth, and tourism diversification. Johari framed the expansion as part of a long-term strategy to build a "network of WAK festivals" that reflect Sarawak’s cultural diversity while strengthening regional and international collaborations.

WAK, which began in Kuching in 2017, has already extended to Sibu and Miri, each hosting their third edition. The festival’s growth—rooted in community participation rather than top-down imposition—has demonstrated its potential to activate public spaces, support artists, and attract visitors, according to Johari. He emphasized that the proposed expansion would not only decentralize the festival but also create sustainable opportunities, including career pathways for young Sarawakians in creative industries.

"Imagine in the years ahead, a network of WAK festivals across Sarawak, each celebrating the distinctive character and creativity of its own community," Johari said in a speech delivered by Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the WAK Festival 2026 launch. "The growth shows that WAK worked because it was not simply imposed on communities but built with and by them."

Johari stressed that creativity must be recognized as more than a passion, highlighting its role in generating viable businesses and economic opportunities. He urged organizers to deepen ties between Kuching, Sibu, and Miri while exploring Bintulu and other regions as potential hosts. He also called on government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and the private sector to view support for WAK as an investment in Sarawak’s creative economy rather than mere sponsorship.

Abdul Karim noted that WAK has evolved into a month-long, community-driven platform involving artists, musicians, performers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and institutions. "There are so many WAK events going on for the whole month, and it is almost impossible for you to follow all of them," he said. "Every day and every night, something is going on.

You must look at the event directory to see what is happening, pick and choose which one you want to go to."

The expansion aligns with Sarawak’s broader push to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, with creative industries emerging as a key focus. By integrating Bintulu and other districts, the festival could further decentralize cultural and economic activity, reducing reliance on Kuching while showcasing Sarawak’s multicultural identity to national and international audiences.

Johari’s vision for WAK’s next phase includes stronger regional and international collaborations, positioning the festival as a distinctive Sarawak platform recognized beyond Malaysia’s borders. The announcement comes as Sarawak seeks to capitalize on its cultural assets amid shifting global tourism trends, with creative festivals increasingly seen as tools for sustainable development.

The first steps toward the expansion will involve assessing logistical and community readiness in potential new venues, with Bintulu identified as a priority due to its growing cultural scene and strategic location. The Sarawak government has signaled its commitment to funding and policy support, though private-sector engagement will remain critical to scaling the initiative.

The festival’s organizers will now focus on refining the expansion plan, with Abdul Karim leading efforts to ensure seamless integration of new locations while maintaining WAK’s grassroots appeal. The 2026 edition in Kuching serves as a foundation for this broader vision, with future editions expected to rotate or co-host across multiple districts.